Samsung S20 Ultra Vs S22 Is It Worth Upgrading In 2024

For users still holding onto the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, the question of whether to upgrade to the Galaxy S22 in 2024 isn’t just about new features—it’s about practicality, longevity, and value. The S20 Ultra was a flagship powerhouse in 2020, packed with cutting-edge specs that set industry standards. But nearly four years later, even high-end devices show their age. The Galaxy S22, released in early 2022, brought refinements across the board. So, if you're debating an upgrade now, it's essential to evaluate what’s changed, how much performance matters today, and whether the benefits justify the cost.

Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap or Minor Tune-Up?

The most immediate difference between the S20 Ultra and the S22 lies under the hood. The S20 Ultra launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), while the S22 uses the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This newer chipset delivers around 20–30% better CPU performance and up to 30% faster GPU speeds, translating into smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved gaming performance—especially noticeable in graphically demanding titles.

Beyond raw processing power, thermal efficiency has improved. The S20 Ultra was known to throttle under sustained load, particularly when using 120Hz refresh rates or recording 8K video. The S22 manages heat better thanks to architectural improvements in the chipset and refined cooling systems, leading to more consistent long-term performance.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone for mobile gaming, video editing, or AR applications, the S22’s upgraded processor will offer a noticeably smoother experience.

Display and Design: Smaller Screen, Better Build

The S20 Ultra featured a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate—a standout at its time. The S22, by contrast, has a smaller 6.1-inch Full HD+ screen. While this may seem like a downgrade on paper, the reality is more nuanced.

The S22’s display is brighter (up to 1750 nits peak brightness vs. 1500 on the S20 Ultra), more power-efficient, and benefits from tighter pixel density due to its smaller size. It also uses Gorilla Glass Victus for improved scratch and drop resistance, whereas the S20 Ultra used older Gorilla Glass 5. The reduced size makes the S22 significantly more comfortable to hold and operate one-handed—something many users overlooked until they experienced it.

Feature	Samsung S20 Ultra	Samsung S22
Display Size	6.9 inches	6.1 inches
Resolution	QHD+ (3200 x 1440)	FHD+ (2340 x 1080)
Refresh Rate	120Hz Adaptive	120Hz Adaptive
Brightness (Peak)	1500 nits	1750 nits
Build Material	Glass front/back, aluminum frame	Glass front/back, Armor Aluminum frame
Front Glass	Gorilla Glass 5	Gorilla Glass Victus

The S22’s design prioritizes durability and ergonomics over sheer screen real estate. For users tired of phablet-sized phones, this shift is a welcome improvement.

Camera System: Refined, Not Revolutionized

The S20 Ultra’s camera system was legendary for its 108MP main sensor and 100x Space Zoom. However, megapixels don’t always translate to better photos. In practice, the S22 produces sharper, more natural-looking images despite having a 50MP main sensor.

Samsung improved image processing algorithms, dynamic range, and low-light performance with the S22. Its Night Mode is faster and more consistent, and the AI-powered HDR adjustments produce balanced exposures without over-processing. The ultrawide and telephoto lenses also received upgrades: less distortion at the edges and better detail retention in zoomed shots.

While the S20 Ultra still holds an edge in maximum zoom capability (100x digital vs. 30x on the S22), the quality at those extremes is often unusable. The S22 limits zoom but delivers cleaner results up to 10x hybrid zoom—more practical for everyday use.

“Smartphone photography is no longer about pushing zoom limits—it’s about consistency across lighting conditions and lens types.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Review

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Capacity

The S20 Ultra came with a 5,000mAh battery, slightly larger than the S22’s 3,700mAh unit. Yet, in real-world usage, both phones deliver similar daily endurance. How? The S22 benefits from a more efficient chipset, optimized software, and a smaller, lower-resolution display.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: both support 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. However, the S22 ships without a charger in the box (a change introduced with the S21 series), so you’ll need to purchase one separately if upgrading.

Software updates are another critical factor. As of 2024, the S20 Ultra is no longer receiving major Android OS updates—it maxed out at Android 13. The S22, however, is eligible for Android 15 and will receive security patches through 2027. This extended support means better app compatibility, security, and access to new features.

Tip: Long-term software support is crucial for device longevity. The S22’s update advantage alone makes it a smarter investment in 2024.

Real-World Example: A Photographer’s Upgrade Decision

Consider Mark, a travel photographer who relied on his S20 Ultra since 2020. He loved the 108MP sensor and 8K video recording for capturing landscapes. By late 2023, he noticed slower app response times, occasional camera crashes, and shorter battery life during shoots.

After testing the S22, he found that while the hardware specs looked lower on paper, the real-world experience was better. The camera focused faster in low light, processed HDR shots more naturally, and consumed less power during extended photo walks. The smaller form factor made it easier to carry alongside his gear. Most importantly, knowing the phone would receive updates for two more years gave him confidence in his investment.

Mark decided to upgrade—not because the S22 had “better numbers,” but because it offered a more reliable, future-proof tool for his work.

Is Upgrading Worth It in 2024? A Step-by-Step Evaluation

Deciding whether to upgrade shouldn’t be based on hype. Follow this practical timeline to assess your needs:

1. Assess current device condition: Is your S20 Ultra still performing well? Do apps lag, does the battery drain quickly, or does it struggle with multitasking?
2. Evaluate your usage: Are you a power user who relies on your phone for productivity, photography, or gaming? Or do you primarily use social media, messaging, and streaming?
3. Check software status: Confirm that your S20 Ultra is no longer receiving major updates. This affects security and app compatibility.
4. Test the S22 in person: Visit a retailer to feel the size, weight, and responsiveness. Real-world ergonomics matter more than specs.
5. Calculate total cost: Factor in trade-in value, carrier deals, and whether you need to buy a new charger or case.
6. Make a decision: If your S20 Ultra is struggling or you want longer software support, the upgrade makes sense. If it still meets your needs, consider waiting for the S24 series or a refurbished S23.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the S22 feel significantly faster than the S20 Ultra?

In daily tasks like scrolling, app switching, and web browsing, the difference may be subtle. However, in intensive tasks—gaming, photo editing, or using multiple apps—the S22 feels more responsive and less prone to slowdowns.

Can the S22 replace a compact flagship for productivity?

Absolutely. With DeX support, excellent multitasking, and strong app optimization, the S22 can serve as a lightweight productivity tool—especially when paired with a keyboard and monitor.

Is the smaller battery a concern?

Not in most cases. Despite its smaller capacity, the S22’s efficiency optimizations mean it lasts a full day for average users. Heavy users may need to charge midday, similar to the S20 Ultra after years of battery degradation.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

Upgrading from the S20 Ultra to the S22 in 2024 is not about chasing novelty—it’s about securing a more sustainable, supported, and efficient device. The S22 offers meaningful improvements in build quality, camera consistency, software longevity, and thermal management. While the S20 Ultra was built to impress, the S22 is designed to endure.

If your S20 Ultra is showing signs of aging—sluggish performance, degraded battery, or software limitations—the S22 represents a smart, future-ready upgrade. For users still satisfied with their current device, holding on a bit longer remains a valid option. But for those seeking reliability, modern ergonomics, and peace of mind through 2027 software support, the S22 is absolutely worth the switch.

🚀 Ready to make the move? Evaluate your current phone’s performance, check trade-in options, and consider how much longer you want your next device to last. The right upgrade isn’t about the newest model—it’s about the best fit for your life.